John Stanwix

John Stanwix (born about 1690, England; died at sea, December, 1765) was a British soldier.

He entered the army in 1706, rose to a captain of the grenadiers in 1739, major of marines in 1741, and lieutenant-colonel in 1745, and was appointed equerry to Frederick, Prince of Wales, in 1749. In 1750, he was promoted to the government of Carlisle, which city he represented in the British parliament. In 1754, he became deputy quartermaster-general of the forces, and on January 1 1756, he was made colonel-commandant of the 1st battalion of the 60th or royal American regiment. On his arrival in America he was given the command of the southern district. During 1757 his headquarters were at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and he was appointed brigadier-general on December 27 of that year. After his relief by General John Forbes in 1758, General Stanwix went to Albany, whence he was ordered to the Oneida carrying-place, to secure that important position by the erection of a work which was called Fort Stanwix in his honor. In 1759 he returned to Pennsylvania, repaired Fort Pitt, and surmounted the works with cannon, also securing, by his prudence, the good will of the Indians. On June 19 1759, he was appointed major-general, but he was relieved by General Robert Monckton on May 4 1760, and became lieutenant-general on January 19 1761. After his return to England he was appointed lieutenant-governor of the Isle of Wight, became colonel of the 8th foot, and was a member of parliament for Appleby in Westmorland.

He was lost at sea while crossing from Dublin, Ireland to Holyhead, Wales in "The Eagle", a packet.

External links

* [http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/CX_JOHN_STANWIX.HTM John Stanwix] at the Probert Encyclopedia